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Happy Tuesday.
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Countdown to Daytona
32 Days and counting!
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Quote of the Year
"I love what I do; I love this business."
-- Bobby Hamilton Sr, March 2006 as he announced he had cancer
Quote of the Day
"I love what I do; I love this business."
-- Bobby Hamilton Sr, March 2006 as he announced he had cancer
Quote of the Day
"Even though we are already mourning the loss of Benny Parsons, Benny Parsons will be very upset with us if we don't celebrate the life that he lived."
-- FOX Sports Larry McReynolds
Most Popular Driver Vote
www.MostPopularDriver.com
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News gathered from multiple sources, including but not limited to: Jayski.com, Cup Scene Daily, Thatsracin.com, catchfence.com, nascar.com, yahoo!, espn.com and others.
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Comments from the Peanut Gallery
from Lou E
Cingular / AT&T hope to stay as #31 sponsor
What is it with the sponsor duel? I always thought the idea behind free enterprise was competition, but apparently not in NASCAR because Nextel is afraid of it. Nextel is the major sponsor of NASCAR, and I apreciate that, but to say that Cingular, who was a sponsor in NASCAR long before Nextel, can't change it's name to AT&T and remain a sponsor is, in my opinion, nothing short of a monopoly and I thought monopolies were illegal in the business world, or at least they're supposed to be. What's the matter Nextel, afraid of a little competition?
Lou Elliott
Also from Lou....
from Keith
Momma, Tell R.D. if he push's the control button down and rolls the roller on his mouse it will enlarge the type.. Keep up the good work, Go Jr. from KWH in Iowa
Hi Momma,
You might inform Keith that everyone does not have a mouse with a scroll wheel on it. In actuality very few home computers do since that feature was incorporated for the business world computers where a lot of scrolling is necessary. Those are the only ones that will enlarge the font size that way and I, like many others, thank you for using the larger font size.
Lou Elliott
from David C
To me BP will always be the ultimate underdog. In an era of Petty, Pearson, Allison and Yarborough, he was always just another good racer. Yet despite never getting one of the top rides, when his career was over there he was holding the two biggest trophys there was to win in the sport. Think of the great drivers like Baker and Martin who never won a championship, or Wallace and Labontes who couldn't win Daytona. I don't remember if he was listed as one of NASCARs Greatest Drivers when they did that list back in 1998 but his driving career and the fantastic job he did later as an announcer made him one of their greatest personalities.
from StricklinFan
I was definitely saddened to hear the news of the passing of Benny Parsons. He obviously had some memorable moments as a driver - two ARCA titles, the '73 Winston Cup title, and the 1975 Daytona 500 win. What I will remember most though is the passion and excitement he brought to the broadcast booth. Since his first appearance as a full-time analyst at Rockingham in 1989 he added an element of enthusiasm and excitement for the sport that seemed to be lacking in television coverage of NASCAR racing up to that point. I used to hate when networks interrupted race coverage to show taped features but I completely changed my stance on that when ESPN created "Buffet Benny" in 1991. These segments were always very entertaining and just further added to the magic BP added to any broadcast he was a part of. One other personal memory I have of Benny was at Darlington in the Southern 500 of 1996. ESPN's crew always had an "office pool" where they predicted who would win each race they broadcasted. That week Benny went out on a limb and picked Hut Stricklin to win (with the second pick of the group). Of course as many of you know Hut led the most laps and seemed on pace to get his first career victory until a late-race overheating problem and contact with a lapped car dropped him to 2nd at the finish. I don't know how Benny could have forseen a performance like that, but I can't say that I was surprised he ended up knowing what he was talking about. He will definitely be missed.
from George S
sandy i just got your email about Benny Parsons It makes me sick to have to read that. I have been worried about him since he told us he had Lung Cancer. He was truly one of the good guys in NASCAR. I hope the NASCAR bosses take a look at what has all ready happened this year and come up wit a retirement plan for all these former drivers who are not as well off as Benny and Bobby. The time is now to do something and I hope they do George
from Tommy T
God Bless you Benny!!
Tom.....A NASCAR FAN.....Go Benny
Cingular / AT&T hope to stay as #31 sponsor
What is it with the sponsor duel? I always thought the idea behind free enterprise was competition, but apparently not in NASCAR because Nextel is afraid of it. Nextel is the major sponsor of NASCAR, and I apreciate that, but to say that Cingular, who was a sponsor in NASCAR long before Nextel, can't change it's name to AT&T and remain a sponsor is, in my opinion, nothing short of a monopoly and I thought monopolies were illegal in the business world, or at least they're supposed to be. What's the matter Nextel, afraid of a little competition?
Lou Elliott
Also from Lou....
from Keith
Momma, Tell R.D. if he push's the control button down and rolls the roller on his mouse it will enlarge the type.. Keep up the good work, Go Jr. from KWH in Iowa
Hi Momma,
You might inform Keith that everyone does not have a mouse with a scroll wheel on it. In actuality very few home computers do since that feature was incorporated for the business world computers where a lot of scrolling is necessary. Those are the only ones that will enlarge the font size that way and I, like many others, thank you for using the larger font size.
Lou Elliott
from David C
To me BP will always be the ultimate underdog. In an era of Petty, Pearson, Allison and Yarborough, he was always just another good racer. Yet despite never getting one of the top rides, when his career was over there he was holding the two biggest trophys there was to win in the sport. Think of the great drivers like Baker and Martin who never won a championship, or Wallace and Labontes who couldn't win Daytona. I don't remember if he was listed as one of NASCARs Greatest Drivers when they did that list back in 1998 but his driving career and the fantastic job he did later as an announcer made him one of their greatest personalities.
from StricklinFan
I was definitely saddened to hear the news of the passing of Benny Parsons. He obviously had some memorable moments as a driver - two ARCA titles, the '73 Winston Cup title, and the 1975 Daytona 500 win. What I will remember most though is the passion and excitement he brought to the broadcast booth. Since his first appearance as a full-time analyst at Rockingham in 1989 he added an element of enthusiasm and excitement for the sport that seemed to be lacking in television coverage of NASCAR racing up to that point. I used to hate when networks interrupted race coverage to show taped features but I completely changed my stance on that when ESPN created "Buffet Benny" in 1991. These segments were always very entertaining and just further added to the magic BP added to any broadcast he was a part of. One other personal memory I have of Benny was at Darlington in the Southern 500 of 1996. ESPN's crew always had an "office pool" where they predicted who would win each race they broadcasted. That week Benny went out on a limb and picked Hut Stricklin to win (with the second pick of the group). Of course as many of you know Hut led the most laps and seemed on pace to get his first career victory until a late-race overheating problem and contact with a lapped car dropped him to 2nd at the finish. I don't know how Benny could have forseen a performance like that, but I can't say that I was surprised he ended up knowing what he was talking about. He will definitely be missed.
from George S
sandy i just got your email about Benny Parsons It makes me sick to have to read that. I have been worried about him since he told us he had Lung Cancer. He was truly one of the good guys in NASCAR. I hope the NASCAR bosses take a look at what has all ready happened this year and come up wit a retirement plan for all these former drivers who are not as well off as Benny and Bobby. The time is now to do something and I hope they do George
from Tommy T
God Bless you Benny!!
Tom.....A NASCAR FAN.....Go Benny
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Bits and Pieces
Kenny Wallace deals with more sad news: As race fans and NASCAR family mourn the death of former champion and broadcaster Benny Parsons, Kenny Wallace's family was dealt a blow of its own Tuesday morning. Shortly after Parsons passing Wallace's father-in-law Charlie Poole died of pancreatic cancer at the age of 61. "This day has not been a good day for me. In six days you have Bobby Hamilton die, Benny Parsons, my father-in-law…and I thought of Kevin Harvick because (last year) he lost his father-in-law too. My wife and the family asked me to please stay down here because Charlie liked racing so much. Unfortunately the pearly gates are backed up right now like a toll booth…and I don't mean that funny…just not a real good two weeks you know…its pretty rough."(PRN's Garage Pass) AND Charles "Charlie" Poole died Tuesday, January 16 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. He was the husband of Dolores Sunshine Poole and the son of Edna Poole. He is survived by daughters Kim Wallace, Kelly Shackelford, Jenny Melton, son Jason Poole and 10 grandchildren. Cards may be sent to Dolores Poole and Family to the fan club office at 8949 Harris Road, Concord, NC 28027. Details of memorial donations will be available soon. Please leave online condolences at Kenny Wallace Official Forum.(Kenny Wallace site)
Kenny Wallace deals with more sad news: As race fans and NASCAR family mourn the death of former champion and broadcaster Benny Parsons, Kenny Wallace's family was dealt a blow of its own Tuesday morning. Shortly after Parsons passing Wallace's father-in-law Charlie Poole died of pancreatic cancer at the age of 61. "This day has not been a good day for me. In six days you have Bobby Hamilton die, Benny Parsons, my father-in-law…and I thought of Kevin Harvick because (last year) he lost his father-in-law too. My wife and the family asked me to please stay down here because Charlie liked racing so much. Unfortunately the pearly gates are backed up right now like a toll booth…and I don't mean that funny…just not a real good two weeks you know…its pretty rough."(PRN's Garage Pass) AND Charles "Charlie" Poole died Tuesday, January 16 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. He was the husband of Dolores Sunshine Poole and the son of Edna Poole. He is survived by daughters Kim Wallace, Kelly Shackelford, Jenny Melton, son Jason Poole and 10 grandchildren. Cards may be sent to Dolores Poole and Family to the fan club office at 8949 Harris Road, Concord, NC 28027. Details of memorial donations will be available soon. Please leave online condolences at Kenny Wallace Official Forum.(Kenny Wallace site)
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Shepherd testing news, may test this week: Faith Motorsports and #89-Morgan Shepherd will not be attending NASCAR's Pre-Season Thunder test session January 8-10 at Daytona, the team announced January 7. The team had registered and was scheduled to test at the first of two sessions, but does not have a speedway car ready to test and has not been able to obtain a car that is race ready from another Dodge team, co-owner Dana Tomes said. "If things come together this week we will try to make next week's session, but if not we will probably not be able to do a speedway test before the season starts," Tomes said. "We are involved heavily in sponsorship talks with various potential sponsors right now and we should know in a week or two what we will be able to do this season as far as how many races we will be able to enter. We are hopeful that we can secure sponsorship to run the whole year, but right now those negotiations are still ongoing." Tomes said the team is open to running in NASCAR's Busch or Craftsman Truck Series if a potential sponsor has that desire. "Right now we are discussing several different options," he said. "There is a chance that nothing will come of any of it, but we are optimistic that prior to the Daytona events in February we will have something to announce."(morganshepherd.com)(1-15-2007) UPDATE: Shepherd has not practiced during the 2nd session this week at Daytona.
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ESPN making a lot of noise about its return to NASCAR fold
By JENNA FRYER/The Associated Press
NASCAR is hoping ESPN's return to the sport will jump-start sagging TV ratings, and the network is revving up its efforts with an aggressive brand campaign that debuted this week.
The first part of the campaign includes a music video of race fans and drivers in the moments leading up to the green flag. A second ad shows young fans' need for speed, and a third focuses on the importance of family in NASCAR's culture. All conclude with the slogan: NASCAR: ESPN. It's the Life.
A second campaign highlighting the network's daily news show "NASCAR Now" will begin on Jan. 29, and the third campaign, which features Busch Series drivers, debuts Feb. 5. ESPN will place a large emphasis on the Busch Series, which will be televised in its entirety on its networks.
"The overall intention is to generate an awareness and excitement in NASCAR and its return to ESPN," said George McNeilly, director of ESPN communications. "We hope it demonstrates our deep understanding of the sport and its passionate fans. The campaign is to appeal to anyone who is currently a NASCAR fan, or will soon be."
ESPN was one of the first networks to help build NASCAR but was shut out in 2001, when NASCAR inked its first major TV deal.
ESPN's back under an eight-year contract that divides the Nextel Cup series between four different networks.
Television ratings suffered last season – the numbers were down in all but five of the 36 races – and many believe NBC's apathetic promotional in its final year of coverage played a large role.
NASCAR officials are banking on ESPN's return to end the trend.
"ESPN will bring a great deal of energy to the sport not only by way of its race broadcasts but through its various media outlets such as SportsCenter, ESPN Radio and ESPN the Magazine," said spokesman Ramsey Poston. "ESPN will be a destination for longtime NASCAR fans and will also help introduce new fans to the sport."
By JENNA FRYER/The Associated Press
NASCAR is hoping ESPN's return to the sport will jump-start sagging TV ratings, and the network is revving up its efforts with an aggressive brand campaign that debuted this week.
The first part of the campaign includes a music video of race fans and drivers in the moments leading up to the green flag. A second ad shows young fans' need for speed, and a third focuses on the importance of family in NASCAR's culture. All conclude with the slogan: NASCAR: ESPN. It's the Life.
A second campaign highlighting the network's daily news show "NASCAR Now" will begin on Jan. 29, and the third campaign, which features Busch Series drivers, debuts Feb. 5. ESPN will place a large emphasis on the Busch Series, which will be televised in its entirety on its networks.
"The overall intention is to generate an awareness and excitement in NASCAR and its return to ESPN," said George McNeilly, director of ESPN communications. "We hope it demonstrates our deep understanding of the sport and its passionate fans. The campaign is to appeal to anyone who is currently a NASCAR fan, or will soon be."
ESPN was one of the first networks to help build NASCAR but was shut out in 2001, when NASCAR inked its first major TV deal.
ESPN's back under an eight-year contract that divides the Nextel Cup series between four different networks.
Television ratings suffered last season – the numbers were down in all but five of the 36 races – and many believe NBC's apathetic promotional in its final year of coverage played a large role.
NASCAR officials are banking on ESPN's return to end the trend.
"ESPN will bring a great deal of energy to the sport not only by way of its race broadcasts but through its various media outlets such as SportsCenter, ESPN Radio and ESPN the Magazine," said spokesman Ramsey Poston. "ESPN will be a destination for longtime NASCAR fans and will also help introduce new fans to the sport."
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Rudd helps out Gilliland at Daytona testing: #88-Ricky Rudd was a surprise visitor to Daytona International Speedway, today. He ran last week's NASCAR test with Robert Yates Racing, then returned to help teammate #38-David Gilliland learn his way around the 2.5-mile track. Rudd, a 23-time Cup winner, is back for his second stint with RYR after sitting out last season. He and Gilliland took turns in Gilliland's #38 M&Ms Ford Fusion, each running a few laps before huddling over computers to compare notes and analyze data. It was a classic case of a graying veteran with 108 combined DIS starts helping a newbie whose next speedway start will be his first. "I'm here to offer help and advice, but mostly to give drafting help," Rudd said. "The 500 will be his first start here, and drafting's awfully important. David won the pole last fall at Talladega, so he can get around big tracks. But Daytona changes so much during runs. He's got to decide if he wants the car a little snug or a little loose, and I think I can help with that." Rudd, who turned 50 years old last fall, is impressed by his 30-year-old teammate. "He's going to be awfully good,'' he said of Gilliland. "Some people might think Robert took a chance because David's gotten in some wrecks and all. But he's fast, and I'd rather have someone who's fast. You can always calm them down, but you can't always make them fast." Rudd has already helped smooth Gilliland's learning curve. Specifically, he showed his teammate that, yes, DIS is bumpy and, no, it's not just you and, yes, this line is better than that one. "You can tell in a rental car that the track's bumpy,'' Gilliland said, "but never having raced here, I didn't know if it was me or our car or the lines I was taking. Ricky drove my car for a while, then came back and said, `No, the car definitely needs to go over the bumps better.' That's something I wouldn't have known without him being here. "As a guy coming here for the first time, there's nothing I'd rather have more than a teammate with that many starts. He's already helped me a lot, and I look forward to working with him everywhere we go. He's been there for any questions, so I'll lean on him as much as I can. All the little suggestions he's made will add up to a lot.''(Ford Racing)
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Newman braces for first season without Borland
Driver could see crew chief's departure from 12 team coming
By David Caraviello, NASCAR.COM
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- At Penske Racing they were called the "three amigos," the triumvirate of engineers that made the No. 12 car go.
Driver Ryan Newman, crew chief Matt Borland and lead engineer Michael Nelson had been together since those first ARCA events seven years ago, and were as synonymous with the Alltel team as the sponsor's black and blue logo.
And then, suddenly, something broke up the band.
Some say Borland wanted to spend less time on the road and more with his family, others that an 18th-place finish in final Nextel Cup points took its toll. Now it's Nelson in the crew chief's seat this week at Jackson Hewitt Preseason Thunder, his promotion coming after Borland resigned to work for another team.
"It didn't ideally play out the way I'd have liked it to," said Newman, working with a new crew chief for the first time in his Nextel Cup career. "But I still have a ton of respect for Matt. He was still the best man at my wedding. He's still a great friend. My uncle is still restoring one of his old hot rods. It's still a cool deal, it's just not the cool deal that it was."
The company line is that Borland, now Dale Jarrett's crew chief at Michael Waltrip Racing, wanted to spend more time with his wife and daughter. Newman said he could see Borland's eventual departure coming, that he noticed the stress building in his former crew chief as one frustrating week blended into another.
It was at Kansas Speedway, Newman said, when Borland stated his desire to get off the road. Nelson actually assumed crew -hief duties for the final two races of last season, after the Penske brass elected to keep Borland back in North Carolina.
"It was not at all a shock to me. I could see it coming, and I think a lot of people in the garage area saw it," Newman said. "His level of stress was driven from outside of the racetrack as far as wanting to be home with his family.
"He's got a little bit of an advantage now in that Michael Waltrip's shop is literally a quarter-of-a-mile from where he lives. He's going to travel for two years and then maybe take a different role within Michael Waltrip Racing. That will leave him home more with his family, and that's the best thing for him."
But it's also clear that the formula that had made the No. 12 car so successful -- until last season, they had finished no worse than seventh in final points -- was no longer working. Rival organizations caught up to Penske, once ahead of everyone else in engineering. Newman's downturn followed a spate of NASCAR rule changes, and the fuel-mileage gambles the team once thrived on became extinct.
In terms of performance, the 2006 version of the No. 12 team was a long way from the one that had won eight races three years earlier.
"Obviously, last year was a frustrating year for us," Nelson said Tuesday at Daytona International Speedway, where his driver was the fastest in the afternoon session at 184.574 mph.
"Had our results been a little bit different, things could have been different. I didn't necessarily see the change that we had coming. I knew there was a lot of frustration, and we obviously had to assume that we would change something some way or another to try and change those results."
Even Borland will admit that performance played a part.
"We weren't getting the results we needed at Penske, and [leaving] definitely wasn't just a decision on my part," he said last week during the first testing session. "We decided it was time to do something different."
In steps Nelson, an Anderson, S.C., native and Clemson University graduate who sat next to Borland on the pit box through each of Newman's 12 victories. To the driver, he's a known quantity who was a familiar voice over the radio during races, and a familiar presence in debriefings at the shop.
"I spent six years with him just like I did Matt, and he's a very intelligent man," Newman said. "He's a lot better people person than I thought he was. Because Matt was the leader and he respected Matt so much, he didn't really say much. Michael is doing a great job hiring new people."
But Borland is still a presence, personally if not professionally, in the lives of the two friends he left behind. Newman said he still speaks to Borland "every once in a while." Nelson credits Borland for keeping him involved in decision-making processes, and helping to advance his career. And he's bracing for the moment when he sees his old boss wearing the colors of another team.
"I'm sure it will be different," Nelson said. "But I'll still see the same guy I've always known."
Driver could see crew chief's departure from 12 team coming
By David Caraviello, NASCAR.COM
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- At Penske Racing they were called the "three amigos," the triumvirate of engineers that made the No. 12 car go.
Driver Ryan Newman, crew chief Matt Borland and lead engineer Michael Nelson had been together since those first ARCA events seven years ago, and were as synonymous with the Alltel team as the sponsor's black and blue logo.
And then, suddenly, something broke up the band.
Some say Borland wanted to spend less time on the road and more with his family, others that an 18th-place finish in final Nextel Cup points took its toll. Now it's Nelson in the crew chief's seat this week at Jackson Hewitt Preseason Thunder, his promotion coming after Borland resigned to work for another team.
"It didn't ideally play out the way I'd have liked it to," said Newman, working with a new crew chief for the first time in his Nextel Cup career. "But I still have a ton of respect for Matt. He was still the best man at my wedding. He's still a great friend. My uncle is still restoring one of his old hot rods. It's still a cool deal, it's just not the cool deal that it was."
The company line is that Borland, now Dale Jarrett's crew chief at Michael Waltrip Racing, wanted to spend more time with his wife and daughter. Newman said he could see Borland's eventual departure coming, that he noticed the stress building in his former crew chief as one frustrating week blended into another.
It was at Kansas Speedway, Newman said, when Borland stated his desire to get off the road. Nelson actually assumed crew -hief duties for the final two races of last season, after the Penske brass elected to keep Borland back in North Carolina.
"It was not at all a shock to me. I could see it coming, and I think a lot of people in the garage area saw it," Newman said. "His level of stress was driven from outside of the racetrack as far as wanting to be home with his family.
"He's got a little bit of an advantage now in that Michael Waltrip's shop is literally a quarter-of-a-mile from where he lives. He's going to travel for two years and then maybe take a different role within Michael Waltrip Racing. That will leave him home more with his family, and that's the best thing for him."
But it's also clear that the formula that had made the No. 12 car so successful -- until last season, they had finished no worse than seventh in final points -- was no longer working. Rival organizations caught up to Penske, once ahead of everyone else in engineering. Newman's downturn followed a spate of NASCAR rule changes, and the fuel-mileage gambles the team once thrived on became extinct.
In terms of performance, the 2006 version of the No. 12 team was a long way from the one that had won eight races three years earlier.
"Obviously, last year was a frustrating year for us," Nelson said Tuesday at Daytona International Speedway, where his driver was the fastest in the afternoon session at 184.574 mph.
"Had our results been a little bit different, things could have been different. I didn't necessarily see the change that we had coming. I knew there was a lot of frustration, and we obviously had to assume that we would change something some way or another to try and change those results."
Even Borland will admit that performance played a part.
"We weren't getting the results we needed at Penske, and [leaving] definitely wasn't just a decision on my part," he said last week during the first testing session. "We decided it was time to do something different."
In steps Nelson, an Anderson, S.C., native and Clemson University graduate who sat next to Borland on the pit box through each of Newman's 12 victories. To the driver, he's a known quantity who was a familiar voice over the radio during races, and a familiar presence in debriefings at the shop.
"I spent six years with him just like I did Matt, and he's a very intelligent man," Newman said. "He's a lot better people person than I thought he was. Because Matt was the leader and he respected Matt so much, he didn't really say much. Michael is doing a great job hiring new people."
But Borland is still a presence, personally if not professionally, in the lives of the two friends he left behind. Newman said he still speaks to Borland "every once in a while." Nelson credits Borland for keeping him involved in decision-making processes, and helping to advance his career. And he's bracing for the moment when he sees his old boss wearing the colors of another team.
"I'm sure it will be different," Nelson said. "But I'll still see the same guy I've always known."
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Busch's Dodge hits 191 on final day of testing
NASCAR.COM
Kurt Busch became the first driver to top the 190 mph mark at Preseason Thunder, blistering the Daytona International Speedway track at 191.188 during Wednesday morning testing.
Busch was 1.681 seconds ahead of the next-fastest driver, Jeff Gordon, who recorded a speed of 184.596.
The session's leader found his speed while driving NASCAR's Car of Tomorrow.
The Chip Ganassi Dodges of David Stremme and Juan Montoya continued to run fast, posting the third- and fifth-best times. David Gilliland was fourth, the only Ford in the top 10.
Toyotas rounded out the top 10 with Michael Waltrip, David Reutimann and Jeremy Mayfield following the Chevrolets of Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin, respectively.
Drivers who struggled included Elliott Sadler and Carl Edwards, both of whom posted two speeds in the bottom 14 of the 48 cars.
NASCAR.COM
Kurt Busch became the first driver to top the 190 mph mark at Preseason Thunder, blistering the Daytona International Speedway track at 191.188 during Wednesday morning testing.
Busch was 1.681 seconds ahead of the next-fastest driver, Jeff Gordon, who recorded a speed of 184.596.
The session's leader found his speed while driving NASCAR's Car of Tomorrow.
The Chip Ganassi Dodges of David Stremme and Juan Montoya continued to run fast, posting the third- and fifth-best times. David Gilliland was fourth, the only Ford in the top 10.
Toyotas rounded out the top 10 with Michael Waltrip, David Reutimann and Jeremy Mayfield following the Chevrolets of Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin, respectively.
Drivers who struggled included Elliott Sadler and Carl Edwards, both of whom posted two speeds in the bottom 14 of the 48 cars.
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Kenseth says team gaining ground on 'car of tomorrow'
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - Matt Kenseth says he's not sure where his Roush Racing team is in terms of the "car of tomorrow," but he has felt that the company was a bit behind on the model that will contend in 16 NASCAR Nextel Cup races this season.
Kenseth says it's difficult to try to analyze the car because no one understands how fast it should be or what it should be like.
"When you get something new, you're not sure how fast it's going to run," the 2003 Cup champion said. "You're not exactly sure what it's supposed to feel like. You don't really know how good you have it unless you have something to gauge it against. And unless you've got all your competition there to gauge it against, I think it's hard to tell how good you are or how bad you are."
Kenseth said he had felt Roush was behind for the past six months or so compared to teams such as Richard Childress Racing before speaking with others in November who had only one car done for all of their organization's teams. So it's hard to measure a team's progress.
"I guess I don't know," said Kenseth, who finished second in series points last season. "I felt like we were behind on it. We have been testing. We've been working really hard on it the last month or two. We did the Goodyear tire test in Phoenix early last week. We were there and [Jeff Burton's team] was there, [Ryan Newman's team] was there. We've been to Lakeland [Fla.] a few times testing short-track stuff. I know Greg [Biffle] is going to Rockingham here in a week or two to test some stuff for Darlington.
"So we've been working really hard on it lately. Been getting some people hired. I think we've been making the company stronger. So I'm hoping we'll come out of the box and be competitive."
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - Matt Kenseth says he's not sure where his Roush Racing team is in terms of the "car of tomorrow," but he has felt that the company was a bit behind on the model that will contend in 16 NASCAR Nextel Cup races this season.
Kenseth says it's difficult to try to analyze the car because no one understands how fast it should be or what it should be like.
"When you get something new, you're not sure how fast it's going to run," the 2003 Cup champion said. "You're not exactly sure what it's supposed to feel like. You don't really know how good you have it unless you have something to gauge it against. And unless you've got all your competition there to gauge it against, I think it's hard to tell how good you are or how bad you are."
Kenseth said he had felt Roush was behind for the past six months or so compared to teams such as Richard Childress Racing before speaking with others in November who had only one car done for all of their organization's teams. So it's hard to measure a team's progress.
"I guess I don't know," said Kenseth, who finished second in series points last season. "I felt like we were behind on it. We have been testing. We've been working really hard on it the last month or two. We did the Goodyear tire test in Phoenix early last week. We were there and [Jeff Burton's team] was there, [Ryan Newman's team] was there. We've been to Lakeland [Fla.] a few times testing short-track stuff. I know Greg [Biffle] is going to Rockingham here in a week or two to test some stuff for Darlington.
"So we've been working really hard on it lately. Been getting some people hired. I think we've been making the company stronger. So I'm hoping we'll come out of the box and be competitive."
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Sophomore slump not scaring Hamlin
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - Denny Hamlin doesn't believe in a sophomore slump, which might be a good thing since the 2006 Nextel Cup rookie of the year is gearing up for his second season in the series.
"We're pretty confident where we're at this stage in the season," the Joe Gibbs Racing driver said after his first day of preseason testing at Daytona International Speedway. "It's tough to tell how Gibbs as a team is going to be this season until we get to the [Las] Vegas test, and then we get an idea where we're going to stack up on the mile-and-a-half race tracks."
Besides, a sophomore slump is a little bit like a curse, an abstract concept that really has no place in engineering and chassis setups. Hamlin, it seems, deals only in the practical.
When asked about Carl Edwards' slide in 2006 when compared to his outstanding 2005 season, Hamlin cited the experience of the entire Roush Racing organization.
"A slump is more a team as a whole," Hamlin said. "Roush was really on top of their game in Carl's so-called rookie year, and they didn't perform as well last year, and it showed through their whole program.
"You've just got to minimize those peaks and valleys that you're going to have as a race team. Gibbs has done a good job of that, maintaining a steady level."
That's all a team can do, Hamlin said.
"If the car's good, then you're going to perform well," Hamlin said. "Luck is going to happen. We had good luck last year. It could all fall apart and have bad luck this year. Still, we can bounce back from anything."
Hamlin had one of the best rookie seasons in NASCAR history, winning two races and reaching the Chase For The Nextel Cup. He finished third in the point standings, the second-best finish in NASCAR history for a rookie. But he's not looking back.
"You start all over again," Hamlin said. "It's so hard to stay on top in this sport. If you have a good year, you have five or six really good teams with the same budget you have that are going to try to get to your level. When you're on top, you've got to find a way to stay on top. It's harder to do that than the guys who are going to be making gains behind you."
"We're pretty confident where we're at this stage in the season," the Joe Gibbs Racing driver said after his first day of preseason testing at Daytona International Speedway. "It's tough to tell how Gibbs as a team is going to be this season until we get to the [Las] Vegas test, and then we get an idea where we're going to stack up on the mile-and-a-half race tracks."
Besides, a sophomore slump is a little bit like a curse, an abstract concept that really has no place in engineering and chassis setups. Hamlin, it seems, deals only in the practical.
When asked about Carl Edwards' slide in 2006 when compared to his outstanding 2005 season, Hamlin cited the experience of the entire Roush Racing organization.
"A slump is more a team as a whole," Hamlin said. "Roush was really on top of their game in Carl's so-called rookie year, and they didn't perform as well last year, and it showed through their whole program.
"You've just got to minimize those peaks and valleys that you're going to have as a race team. Gibbs has done a good job of that, maintaining a steady level."
That's all a team can do, Hamlin said.
"If the car's good, then you're going to perform well," Hamlin said. "Luck is going to happen. We had good luck last year. It could all fall apart and have bad luck this year. Still, we can bounce back from anything."
Hamlin had one of the best rookie seasons in NASCAR history, winning two races and reaching the Chase For The Nextel Cup. He finished third in the point standings, the second-best finish in NASCAR history for a rookie. But he's not looking back.
"You start all over again," Hamlin said. "It's so hard to stay on top in this sport. If you have a good year, you have five or six really good teams with the same budget you have that are going to try to get to your level. When you're on top, you've got to find a way to stay on top. It's harder to do that than the guys who are going to be making gains behind you."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
FINAL TRIBUTE TO A `BETTER MAN'
by Monte Dutton
Gazette Sports Writer
Benny Parsons died on Tuesday. It was a shock, but not one for which the racing world wasn't prepared.
Tributes rang out from around the sport, leading to that inevitable question in time of death: "Why don't we say these things when people are still alive?"
Jeff Gordon called Parsons "one of the most genuine and generous individuals I've ever met," and that he was. He achieved a lot, both in driving race cars and talking about those who do, and was as unaffected a celebrity as anyone I ever encountered.
Here was a man mildly embarrassed by the simple task of signing an autograph. Benny had all the attributes that define genuine humility. Self-aggrandizement wasn't his nature. In conversation, sometimes, he'd tell a story from his racing days. In few of them did he play a role at all. If he was a character, Benny would assign himself the role of witness, bystander or, sometimes even, clown. Those of us who have written extensively about NASCAR know much about how the sport works and how it has changed, courtesy of Benny. What we never learned from Benny was much about Benny.
"Affable" is an adjective that fit him. I won't miss his broadcasts. I won't miss interviewing him. What I will miss about Benny Parsons is having him nearby in an airport or a lunch line. Our conversations were pleasant and, a high percentage of the time, had nothing to do with racing. He was a jovial companion on the golf course and at a concert. Once upon a time, I sat next to him at a Robert Earl Keen concert, giving me something to remember about that night besides the music.
Once, when talking TV contracts and the like, Benny told me he didn't worry much about the business side of the television industry. That was in 2005.
"Next year is probably going to be my last year anyway," he said. "I'll be 65, and I don't figure I'll hang around after that."
It never even occurred to me, or probably him at the time, that Benny Parsons would never see 66. He'd never get to retire, kick back and take it easy.
In the summer of 2006, this non-smoker found he had lung cancer. Supposedly, the radiation treatments that followed got rid of the cancer. They also, however, devastated the lung where the tumor had been located. That's what put him in the hospital for the final time on the day after Christmas.
Parsons, born July 12, 1941, in Wilkes County, won a championship and Daytona 500 among his 21 victories at stock-car racing's top level. The first was in 1971, the last in 1984. After retiring at the end of 1988, he broadcast many of NASCAR's great moments, meaning that Parsons was a significant figure in the sport for parts of five decades.
"Benny was a fighter, and even when he became ill, he went on with his life like he knew he could beat it," said team owner Richard Childress, who once raced against Parsons. "He was a strong man with great plans, and it's a big loss for all of us who knew him."
He was a better man than athlete or journalist. When all is said and done, that's what's important.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~by Monte Dutton
Gazette Sports Writer
Benny Parsons died on Tuesday. It was a shock, but not one for which the racing world wasn't prepared.
Tributes rang out from around the sport, leading to that inevitable question in time of death: "Why don't we say these things when people are still alive?"
Jeff Gordon called Parsons "one of the most genuine and generous individuals I've ever met," and that he was. He achieved a lot, both in driving race cars and talking about those who do, and was as unaffected a celebrity as anyone I ever encountered.
Here was a man mildly embarrassed by the simple task of signing an autograph. Benny had all the attributes that define genuine humility. Self-aggrandizement wasn't his nature. In conversation, sometimes, he'd tell a story from his racing days. In few of them did he play a role at all. If he was a character, Benny would assign himself the role of witness, bystander or, sometimes even, clown. Those of us who have written extensively about NASCAR know much about how the sport works and how it has changed, courtesy of Benny. What we never learned from Benny was much about Benny.
"Affable" is an adjective that fit him. I won't miss his broadcasts. I won't miss interviewing him. What I will miss about Benny Parsons is having him nearby in an airport or a lunch line. Our conversations were pleasant and, a high percentage of the time, had nothing to do with racing. He was a jovial companion on the golf course and at a concert. Once upon a time, I sat next to him at a Robert Earl Keen concert, giving me something to remember about that night besides the music.
Once, when talking TV contracts and the like, Benny told me he didn't worry much about the business side of the television industry. That was in 2005.
"Next year is probably going to be my last year anyway," he said. "I'll be 65, and I don't figure I'll hang around after that."
It never even occurred to me, or probably him at the time, that Benny Parsons would never see 66. He'd never get to retire, kick back and take it easy.
In the summer of 2006, this non-smoker found he had lung cancer. Supposedly, the radiation treatments that followed got rid of the cancer. They also, however, devastated the lung where the tumor had been located. That's what put him in the hospital for the final time on the day after Christmas.
Parsons, born July 12, 1941, in Wilkes County, won a championship and Daytona 500 among his 21 victories at stock-car racing's top level. The first was in 1971, the last in 1984. After retiring at the end of 1988, he broadcast many of NASCAR's great moments, meaning that Parsons was a significant figure in the sport for parts of five decades.
"Benny was a fighter, and even when he became ill, he went on with his life like he knew he could beat it," said team owner Richard Childress, who once raced against Parsons. "He was a strong man with great plans, and it's a big loss for all of us who knew him."
He was a better man than athlete or journalist. When all is said and done, that's what's important.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Parsons' passing a major loss for NASCAR, its fans
By Terry Blount/ESPN.com
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Tuesday's news was almost more than the NASCAR community could bear. Only days after Bobby Hamilton's death, Benny Parsons had passed away at a Charlotte hospital.
Both men were victims of cancer. Both appeared healthy and vibrant only a few months ago.
The media center at Daytona, normally a lively and boisterous place, fell painfully silent when told of Parsons' passing.
Even the garage area was strangely quiet. The only sound was the whine of the cars as drivers continued testing on the track where Parsons won the Daytona 500 in 1975.
Kyle Petty was scheduled to speak to the media after the morning test session, but he was so overcome with grief that he said he just couldn't do it.
His legendary father, Richard, and Parsons were good friends who had many racing battles through the years.
The start of a new season is supposed to be a happy time filled with promise and enthusiasm for what's to come. But NASCAR is dealing with the sadness of losing two true ambassadors of the sport.
It just seems so unfair. Both men were taken early -- Hamilton at 49 and Parsons at 65. Both were NASCAR-loyal through and through. Both represented everything good about racing.
Hamilton was the guy who overcame an impoverished youth and found a way to win at NASCAR's highest level. His final accomplishment as a driver came two years before his death when he won the Craftsman Truck Series championship at age 47.
Parsons also was a NASCAR champion, winning the Winston Cup title in 1973 at age 32. But it wasn't Parsons' racing skills that made him beloved by so many.
Most of us, when we were children, heard this from our mothers: "If you can't say anything good about someone, don't say anything at all."
And most of us forgot that advice as we got older. Not Parsons. He lived by it.
If there ever was man who fit the credo of Will Rogers, it was Parsons. Benny never met a man he didn't like. And if he did, he kept it to himself.
That's the kind of person he was. Parsons liked people and people liked him.
"I could always tell when Benny was around," said NASCAR team owner Len Wood. "I could hear that laugh of his. He could be five stalls away in the garage and I could tell it was him. You could be having a really bad day, but Benny always made you feel better."
The first time I met Parsons was in 1995, when I was still a newbie in covering NASCAR. We were introduced briefly in the Daytona garage while he was speaking to a couple of crew guys.
It was the typical, "Hi, how are you" kind of thing. I didn't come in contact with Parsons again for more than two years. We were walking toward each other at Texas Motor Speedway.
I planned to give just a quick hello as I walked by, assuming he wouldn't know me from Adam. I was wrong. Parsons extended his hand and said, "Hi, Terry, how are you?"
I was stunned that he remembered my name. He stopped and we spoke briefly. I don't remember what was said, but I'll always remember that he knew who I was two years after meeting me for 10 seconds.
That was Benny. He grew up in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina where everyone knew your name. He played high school football before his family moved north. Way north.
Some fans might be surprised to know Parsons moved to Detroit after high school and worked as a driver for his father's cab company before trying his hand at NASCAR.
Parsons raced sparingly in NASCAR for four seasons before getting a chance to run full time in 1970 at age 29. He had 23 top-10s and finished eighth in the standings.
Three years later he was the Cup champion, winning the crown through consistency. He won only one race that season compared to 11 victories for David Pearson.
Parsons would rank in the top 10 for each of the next eight seasons. He continued driving through 1988 before beginning his broadcasting career as a pit reporter for ESPN. He worked as an analyst for NBC and TNT's NASCAR telecasts the last six seasons.
"Benny loved what he did," said driver Ward Burton. "I think people should know he was comfortable with his place in life. This is all he knew. I think if he couldn't be in this garage, he would have been lost."
Some people were critical of his broadcasting style because Parsons rarely made a disparaging comment about a driver. And he often took NASCAR's side on important issues.
Parsons was no Howard Cosell. He didn't want to be. He wouldn't rip his former rivals the way Johnny Miller does at times on NBC golf telecasts.
It isn't that Parsons feared what drivers would think of him. There just wasn't a negative bone in his body.
He always looked at the world from an optimistic perspective, even after learning in July that he had lung cancer. It was shocking news, especially since Parsons stopped smoking in 1978.
But Parsons kept that giant smile on his round face throughout. He continued working, but had trouble with his voice on one telecast during the summer. Parsons also missed a couple of telecasts while undergoing treatment, but soon returned and said he felt good.
Parsons never stopped smiling, never stopped laughing and never stopped looking for the good in every situation.
"The best thing about Benny is, he was always happy," driver Matt Kenseth said. "He loved NASCAR and I think that's what made him happy."
Terry Blount covers motorsports for ESPN.com.
By Terry Blount/ESPN.com
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Tuesday's news was almost more than the NASCAR community could bear. Only days after Bobby Hamilton's death, Benny Parsons had passed away at a Charlotte hospital.
Both men were victims of cancer. Both appeared healthy and vibrant only a few months ago.
The media center at Daytona, normally a lively and boisterous place, fell painfully silent when told of Parsons' passing.
Even the garage area was strangely quiet. The only sound was the whine of the cars as drivers continued testing on the track where Parsons won the Daytona 500 in 1975.
Kyle Petty was scheduled to speak to the media after the morning test session, but he was so overcome with grief that he said he just couldn't do it.
His legendary father, Richard, and Parsons were good friends who had many racing battles through the years.
The start of a new season is supposed to be a happy time filled with promise and enthusiasm for what's to come. But NASCAR is dealing with the sadness of losing two true ambassadors of the sport.
It just seems so unfair. Both men were taken early -- Hamilton at 49 and Parsons at 65. Both were NASCAR-loyal through and through. Both represented everything good about racing.
Hamilton was the guy who overcame an impoverished youth and found a way to win at NASCAR's highest level. His final accomplishment as a driver came two years before his death when he won the Craftsman Truck Series championship at age 47.
Parsons also was a NASCAR champion, winning the Winston Cup title in 1973 at age 32. But it wasn't Parsons' racing skills that made him beloved by so many.
Most of us, when we were children, heard this from our mothers: "If you can't say anything good about someone, don't say anything at all."
And most of us forgot that advice as we got older. Not Parsons. He lived by it.
If there ever was man who fit the credo of Will Rogers, it was Parsons. Benny never met a man he didn't like. And if he did, he kept it to himself.
That's the kind of person he was. Parsons liked people and people liked him.
"I could always tell when Benny was around," said NASCAR team owner Len Wood. "I could hear that laugh of his. He could be five stalls away in the garage and I could tell it was him. You could be having a really bad day, but Benny always made you feel better."
The first time I met Parsons was in 1995, when I was still a newbie in covering NASCAR. We were introduced briefly in the Daytona garage while he was speaking to a couple of crew guys.
It was the typical, "Hi, how are you" kind of thing. I didn't come in contact with Parsons again for more than two years. We were walking toward each other at Texas Motor Speedway.
I planned to give just a quick hello as I walked by, assuming he wouldn't know me from Adam. I was wrong. Parsons extended his hand and said, "Hi, Terry, how are you?"
I was stunned that he remembered my name. He stopped and we spoke briefly. I don't remember what was said, but I'll always remember that he knew who I was two years after meeting me for 10 seconds.
That was Benny. He grew up in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina where everyone knew your name. He played high school football before his family moved north. Way north.
Some fans might be surprised to know Parsons moved to Detroit after high school and worked as a driver for his father's cab company before trying his hand at NASCAR.
Parsons raced sparingly in NASCAR for four seasons before getting a chance to run full time in 1970 at age 29. He had 23 top-10s and finished eighth in the standings.
Three years later he was the Cup champion, winning the crown through consistency. He won only one race that season compared to 11 victories for David Pearson.
Parsons would rank in the top 10 for each of the next eight seasons. He continued driving through 1988 before beginning his broadcasting career as a pit reporter for ESPN. He worked as an analyst for NBC and TNT's NASCAR telecasts the last six seasons.
"Benny loved what he did," said driver Ward Burton. "I think people should know he was comfortable with his place in life. This is all he knew. I think if he couldn't be in this garage, he would have been lost."
Some people were critical of his broadcasting style because Parsons rarely made a disparaging comment about a driver. And he often took NASCAR's side on important issues.
Parsons was no Howard Cosell. He didn't want to be. He wouldn't rip his former rivals the way Johnny Miller does at times on NBC golf telecasts.
It isn't that Parsons feared what drivers would think of him. There just wasn't a negative bone in his body.
He always looked at the world from an optimistic perspective, even after learning in July that he had lung cancer. It was shocking news, especially since Parsons stopped smoking in 1978.
But Parsons kept that giant smile on his round face throughout. He continued working, but had trouble with his voice on one telecast during the summer. Parsons also missed a couple of telecasts while undergoing treatment, but soon returned and said he felt good.
Parsons never stopped smiling, never stopped laughing and never stopped looking for the good in every situation.
"The best thing about Benny is, he was always happy," driver Matt Kenseth said. "He loved NASCAR and I think that's what made him happy."
Terry Blount covers motorsports for ESPN.com.
A Letter from Darrell
Folks, through the years, Benny Parsons and I had some stirring battles.
One of the first ones was in 1977 at Bristol Motor Speedway. After fighting tooth and nail, I was finally able to get by him and win the race, but it was a great battle. In 1979, I was going for three wins in a row in the Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe's Motor Speedway. I had a really awesome car, but it was a long day as rain stopped the race. Late in the evening, they restarted it, and Benny and I ended up in a battle that a lot of people still say was one of the best Coke 600's they've ever seen. Benny beat me by about half a car length to keep me from winning my third consecutive Coke 600.
Later on in '79 at Ontario (Calif.) Motor Speedway, I was racing Richard Petty and trying to win my first championship. I got a lap down early in the race. Benny had an awesome car that day, and he was leading the race. I was up there every caution, trying as hard as I could to get back on the lead lap. I kept getting up alongside Benny, but I couldn't quite make the pass before a caution came out.
Benny did his job. It wasn't his place to let me get back on the lead lap. It was his job to keep me a lap down. I got so frustrated with him that if it had been anybody else, I would have rammed them, but it was Benny Parsons. I had so much respect for Benny. He was so fair, and he treated everybody with so much respect. I just couldn't see myself doing anything to jeopardize Benny's chances because he was going to win that race that day. I lost the championship, but it was Benny. I treated him like a gentleman because he had always treated me like a gentleman.
At Daytona in 1981, I was driving Junior Johnson's Mountain Dew Buick for the first time in the Bud Shootout. It came down to Benny and me. We raced hard. Coming to the checkered flag, I got a run off of Turn 4, and Benny got a little loose. I was able to squeeze underneath Benny, all the way down on the apron. I slid in front of him to win the Bud Shootout. Benny wasn't mad. In his post-race interview, he said, "Well, you know, he wanted it more than I did I guess." I didn't know if it was a legal pass or not, but standing in victory circle, my comment was, "Well, I didn't see any out-of-bounds stakes."
Benny was just that way. He never got mad. In all of the years I knew Benny, I don't think I ever saw him mad at anybody or anybody mad at him. He was always so calm, cool and collected — in the race car particularly. He wasn't a lamb. It wasn't like he just laid down, and you could run by him. That's my point. He was an aggressive race car driver, but he was so fair. When you hear respect begets respect, that's Benny Parsons. You respected Benny because he respected you. Even when I was a wild child out there, driving like an idiot at times, Benny Parsons always showed me a great deal of respect. I reciprocated.
All through Benny's career, he exemplified what Gentle Ben really is. He was a gentleman. He was fair, and he was also a sweet and kind man. When his first wife passed away, I won Pocono, and I had just heard about it. I dedicated that win to Benny's late wife, Connie, that day.
Last week in Charlotte, I spoke to Benny's second wife, Terri, and we were talking about what a fighter Benny was. I said, "If anybody can pull through this, he can." But I guess it was just too much. The lung cancer was more than he could overcome. This time, it's a race that he lost.
Benny Parsons was a champion. He was a great ambassador for our sport. People who knew him and had ever met him loved him and had a lot of admiration for him. I know I did to win the championship the way he did in 1973, have the kind of career he had and the reputation. You are known by your reputation. Benny Parsons had an impeccable reputation, one that I am envious of and one I'm sure his fans, family and friends are all proud of.
There will never be another Benny Parsons. Not only did we lose a great NASCAR champion, we lost one of the sweetest men that ever walked the face of the Earth. God bless you Benny. God bless your family. May you rest in peace.
DW
Folks, through the years, Benny Parsons and I had some stirring battles.
One of the first ones was in 1977 at Bristol Motor Speedway. After fighting tooth and nail, I was finally able to get by him and win the race, but it was a great battle. In 1979, I was going for three wins in a row in the Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe's Motor Speedway. I had a really awesome car, but it was a long day as rain stopped the race. Late in the evening, they restarted it, and Benny and I ended up in a battle that a lot of people still say was one of the best Coke 600's they've ever seen. Benny beat me by about half a car length to keep me from winning my third consecutive Coke 600.
Later on in '79 at Ontario (Calif.) Motor Speedway, I was racing Richard Petty and trying to win my first championship. I got a lap down early in the race. Benny had an awesome car that day, and he was leading the race. I was up there every caution, trying as hard as I could to get back on the lead lap. I kept getting up alongside Benny, but I couldn't quite make the pass before a caution came out.
Benny did his job. It wasn't his place to let me get back on the lead lap. It was his job to keep me a lap down. I got so frustrated with him that if it had been anybody else, I would have rammed them, but it was Benny Parsons. I had so much respect for Benny. He was so fair, and he treated everybody with so much respect. I just couldn't see myself doing anything to jeopardize Benny's chances because he was going to win that race that day. I lost the championship, but it was Benny. I treated him like a gentleman because he had always treated me like a gentleman.
At Daytona in 1981, I was driving Junior Johnson's Mountain Dew Buick for the first time in the Bud Shootout. It came down to Benny and me. We raced hard. Coming to the checkered flag, I got a run off of Turn 4, and Benny got a little loose. I was able to squeeze underneath Benny, all the way down on the apron. I slid in front of him to win the Bud Shootout. Benny wasn't mad. In his post-race interview, he said, "Well, you know, he wanted it more than I did I guess." I didn't know if it was a legal pass or not, but standing in victory circle, my comment was, "Well, I didn't see any out-of-bounds stakes."
Benny was just that way. He never got mad. In all of the years I knew Benny, I don't think I ever saw him mad at anybody or anybody mad at him. He was always so calm, cool and collected — in the race car particularly. He wasn't a lamb. It wasn't like he just laid down, and you could run by him. That's my point. He was an aggressive race car driver, but he was so fair. When you hear respect begets respect, that's Benny Parsons. You respected Benny because he respected you. Even when I was a wild child out there, driving like an idiot at times, Benny Parsons always showed me a great deal of respect. I reciprocated.
All through Benny's career, he exemplified what Gentle Ben really is. He was a gentleman. He was fair, and he was also a sweet and kind man. When his first wife passed away, I won Pocono, and I had just heard about it. I dedicated that win to Benny's late wife, Connie, that day.
Last week in Charlotte, I spoke to Benny's second wife, Terri, and we were talking about what a fighter Benny was. I said, "If anybody can pull through this, he can." But I guess it was just too much. The lung cancer was more than he could overcome. This time, it's a race that he lost.
Benny Parsons was a champion. He was a great ambassador for our sport. People who knew him and had ever met him loved him and had a lot of admiration for him. I know I did to win the championship the way he did in 1973, have the kind of career he had and the reputation. You are known by your reputation. Benny Parsons had an impeccable reputation, one that I am envious of and one I'm sure his fans, family and friends are all proud of.
There will never be another Benny Parsons. Not only did we lose a great NASCAR champion, we lost one of the sweetest men that ever walked the face of the Earth. God bless you Benny. God bless your family. May you rest in peace.
DW
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Benny Parsons dead at 65
AP Auto Racing
Benny Parsons, a former taxi driver turned NASCAR champion, died Tuesday after a short battle with lung cancer, his son Keith said. He was 65.
*Staff at the Martinsville Speedway were saddend to hear about the death of Benny Parsons.
W. Clay Campbell, track president, said he was beginning to work at the track when Parson was racing in the 1970s. Campbell said Parsons was a down-to-earth gentleman who was perfect at racing commentary.
"He knew what he was talking about an fans appreciated him for that," Campbell said.
Parsons would always ask Campbell what was going on in Martinsville when they saw each other at events.
"He was a true friend and we will miss him greatly," Campbell said.
Mike Smith, director of media relations for the track, said Parson talked to him about his cancer treatments during the fall 2006 face. Smith lost his wife to cancer last year.
"He talked about how fortunate he was to have the wherewithal to be able to pay for his treatments," Smith said.
Parson told Smith how much it bothered him to see people could barely afford to pay for their treatments.
"That really struck me," Smith said.
Parsons, the 1972 NASCAR champion, died in Charlotte, N.C. He was diagnosed with cancer in his left lung in July after complaining of difficulty breathing. A former smoker who quit the habit in 1978, Parsons underwent intensive chemotherapy and radiation treatments and was declared ''cancer-free'' in October.
But the aggressive treatment cost Parsons the use of his left lung, and he was hospitalized Dec. 26 when doctors found a blood clot in his right lung. He was transferred to intensive care shortly after his admission, and he remained there in an induced-coma.
A member of NASCAR's 50 greatest drivers, Parsons retired from racing in 1988 and moved into the broadcasting booth. He spent the past six years as a commentator on NBC and TNT, and continued to call races from the booth during his treatment.
Parsons, affectionately known throughout NASCAR as ''BP,'' also continued to host a weekly radio program and keep fans updated on his condition in a blog on his web site.
''As my radiation oncologist told me today, John Wayne lived and had a great career with one lung. There is no reason why I can't do the same.'' Parsons posted in a Dec. 18th entry after learning of the damage to his left lung.
''It will take a little while for the right lung to pull the weight for the left lung so until then I will still need to use oxygen when I walk. I won't need it sitting or commentating races and to me that is the main thing.
''If given a choice between cancer or losing a lung I would say that I got the right end of the deal.''
That feisty spirit was one of Parsons' trademarks, and what helped him rise up from a poor childhood in the foothills of North Carolina to a job driving taxis and then all the way to the top of NASCAR.
Parsons was born July 12, 1941 at his parents' rural home in Wilkes County and eventually moved to Detroit, where he worked at a gas station and a cab company owned by his father. After winning back-to-back ARCA titles in 1968-69, he returned to North Carolina in Ellerbe to become a full-time racer, often listing ''taxicab driver'' as his occupation on entry forms.
Parsons made 526 starts from 1964 until his 1988 retirement. He won 21 races, including the 1975 Daytona 500, and 20 poles. He was also the first Cup competitor to qualify for a race faster than 200 mph when he posted a lap at 200.176 mph at the 1982 Winston 500 at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway.
Parsons ended his career with 283 top-10 finishes, led at least one lap in 192 races and finished no lower than fifth in the points from 1972 to 1980 while earning more than $4 million. He also won back-to-back ARCA titles in 1968-69 when he lived in Detroit, before getting his shot at NASCAR.
His 1973 championship season was built on endurance and consistency: He won only one of the 28 races that season, while second-place finisher Cale Yarborough won four times and David Pearson won 11. But Parsons finished the most miles that year to claim the crown.
He was named one of NASCAR's 50 greatest drivers in 1998, and was inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 1994. He was inducted into the National Motorsports Press Association's Stock Car Racing Hall of Fame in 1995.
Parsons began his broadcasting career in the 1980s as a pit reporter for ESPN and TBS, when he was still racing a partial schedule. He moved into the booth for good in 1989 for ESPN and won a Cable ACE Award for best sports analyst.
Survivors include his wife, Terri, and two sons by his late wife - Kevin and Keith, a former sports writer for The Associated Press, and two granddaughters.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~AP Auto Racing
Benny Parsons, a former taxi driver turned NASCAR champion, died Tuesday after a short battle with lung cancer, his son Keith said. He was 65.
*Staff at the Martinsville Speedway were saddend to hear about the death of Benny Parsons.
W. Clay Campbell, track president, said he was beginning to work at the track when Parson was racing in the 1970s. Campbell said Parsons was a down-to-earth gentleman who was perfect at racing commentary.
"He knew what he was talking about an fans appreciated him for that," Campbell said.
Parsons would always ask Campbell what was going on in Martinsville when they saw each other at events.
"He was a true friend and we will miss him greatly," Campbell said.
Mike Smith, director of media relations for the track, said Parson talked to him about his cancer treatments during the fall 2006 face. Smith lost his wife to cancer last year.
"He talked about how fortunate he was to have the wherewithal to be able to pay for his treatments," Smith said.
Parson told Smith how much it bothered him to see people could barely afford to pay for their treatments.
"That really struck me," Smith said.
Parsons, the 1972 NASCAR champion, died in Charlotte, N.C. He was diagnosed with cancer in his left lung in July after complaining of difficulty breathing. A former smoker who quit the habit in 1978, Parsons underwent intensive chemotherapy and radiation treatments and was declared ''cancer-free'' in October.
But the aggressive treatment cost Parsons the use of his left lung, and he was hospitalized Dec. 26 when doctors found a blood clot in his right lung. He was transferred to intensive care shortly after his admission, and he remained there in an induced-coma.
A member of NASCAR's 50 greatest drivers, Parsons retired from racing in 1988 and moved into the broadcasting booth. He spent the past six years as a commentator on NBC and TNT, and continued to call races from the booth during his treatment.
Parsons, affectionately known throughout NASCAR as ''BP,'' also continued to host a weekly radio program and keep fans updated on his condition in a blog on his web site.
''As my radiation oncologist told me today, John Wayne lived and had a great career with one lung. There is no reason why I can't do the same.'' Parsons posted in a Dec. 18th entry after learning of the damage to his left lung.
''It will take a little while for the right lung to pull the weight for the left lung so until then I will still need to use oxygen when I walk. I won't need it sitting or commentating races and to me that is the main thing.
''If given a choice between cancer or losing a lung I would say that I got the right end of the deal.''
That feisty spirit was one of Parsons' trademarks, and what helped him rise up from a poor childhood in the foothills of North Carolina to a job driving taxis and then all the way to the top of NASCAR.
Parsons was born July 12, 1941 at his parents' rural home in Wilkes County and eventually moved to Detroit, where he worked at a gas station and a cab company owned by his father. After winning back-to-back ARCA titles in 1968-69, he returned to North Carolina in Ellerbe to become a full-time racer, often listing ''taxicab driver'' as his occupation on entry forms.
Parsons made 526 starts from 1964 until his 1988 retirement. He won 21 races, including the 1975 Daytona 500, and 20 poles. He was also the first Cup competitor to qualify for a race faster than 200 mph when he posted a lap at 200.176 mph at the 1982 Winston 500 at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway.
Parsons ended his career with 283 top-10 finishes, led at least one lap in 192 races and finished no lower than fifth in the points from 1972 to 1980 while earning more than $4 million. He also won back-to-back ARCA titles in 1968-69 when he lived in Detroit, before getting his shot at NASCAR.
His 1973 championship season was built on endurance and consistency: He won only one of the 28 races that season, while second-place finisher Cale Yarborough won four times and David Pearson won 11. But Parsons finished the most miles that year to claim the crown.
He was named one of NASCAR's 50 greatest drivers in 1998, and was inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 1994. He was inducted into the National Motorsports Press Association's Stock Car Racing Hall of Fame in 1995.
Parsons began his broadcasting career in the 1980s as a pit reporter for ESPN and TBS, when he was still racing a partial schedule. He moved into the booth for good in 1989 for ESPN and won a Cable ACE Award for best sports analyst.
Survivors include his wife, Terri, and two sons by his late wife - Kevin and Keith, a former sports writer for The Associated Press, and two granddaughters.
A LEGEND PASSES
1973 NASCAR Champion Benny Parsons Passes Away
January 16
CONCORD, N.C. (Jan. 16, 2007) - 1973 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series champion Benny Parsons, 65, passed away today at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte.
Parsons, who became an award-winning television and radio personality after retiring from driving in 1988, entered the hospital Dec. 26 as the result of complications stemming from his battle with lung cancer.
Born July 12, 1941, in Wilkes County, N.C., Parsons spent his childhood in the Blue Ridge Mountains and, after graduating high school, moved to Detroit, Mich., where his father operated a taxicab company. Parsons worked as a gas station attendant and taxicab driver during the early stages of his racing career.
He captured back-to-back ARCA stock car championships in 1968 and 1969 and joined NASCAR's premier circuit full-time in 1970 where his first victory came in 1971 at South Boston Speedway.
Parsons captured the 1973 championship in dramatic fashion as crew members from numerous teams literally rebuilt his car that was heavily damaged in an early race crash during the season finale at North Carolina Motor Speedway. He returned to the track and completed enough laps to edge Cale Yarborough for the title.
Parsons went on to record 21 victories, including the 1975 Daytona 500 and the 1980 Coca-Cola 600, in a 21-year career that included 283 top-10 finishes in 526 starts.
Even before hanging up his helmet in 1988, Parsons dabbled in thebroadcasting industry, setting the stage for a very successful post-driving career.
He became a popular figure on NASCAR telecasts, first with ESPN and most recently with NBC and TNT. Parsons also hosted Performance Racing Network's "Fast Talk with Benny Parsons."
Parsons was inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 1994 and became a member of the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 2005. He was selected as one of NASCAR's 50 Greatest Drivers in 1998.
Survivors include his mother Hazel Parsons; wife Terri Parsons; sons Keith and Kevin Parsons; brothers Steve and Phil Parsons; sister Patty Severt; and granddaughters Emily and Libbie Parsons.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to the Connie E. Parsons Memorial Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 443, Ellerbe, NC 28338
1973 NASCAR Champion Benny Parsons Passes Away
January 16
CONCORD, N.C. (Jan. 16, 2007) - 1973 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series champion Benny Parsons, 65, passed away today at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte.
Parsons, who became an award-winning television and radio personality after retiring from driving in 1988, entered the hospital Dec. 26 as the result of complications stemming from his battle with lung cancer.
Born July 12, 1941, in Wilkes County, N.C., Parsons spent his childhood in the Blue Ridge Mountains and, after graduating high school, moved to Detroit, Mich., where his father operated a taxicab company. Parsons worked as a gas station attendant and taxicab driver during the early stages of his racing career.
He captured back-to-back ARCA stock car championships in 1968 and 1969 and joined NASCAR's premier circuit full-time in 1970 where his first victory came in 1971 at South Boston Speedway.
Parsons captured the 1973 championship in dramatic fashion as crew members from numerous teams literally rebuilt his car that was heavily damaged in an early race crash during the season finale at North Carolina Motor Speedway. He returned to the track and completed enough laps to edge Cale Yarborough for the title.
Parsons went on to record 21 victories, including the 1975 Daytona 500 and the 1980 Coca-Cola 600, in a 21-year career that included 283 top-10 finishes in 526 starts.
Even before hanging up his helmet in 1988, Parsons dabbled in thebroadcasting industry, setting the stage for a very successful post-driving career.
He became a popular figure on NASCAR telecasts, first with ESPN and most recently with NBC and TNT. Parsons also hosted Performance Racing Network's "Fast Talk with Benny Parsons."
Parsons was inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 1994 and became a member of the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 2005. He was selected as one of NASCAR's 50 Greatest Drivers in 1998.
Survivors include his mother Hazel Parsons; wife Terri Parsons; sons Keith and Kevin Parsons; brothers Steve and Phil Parsons; sister Patty Severt; and granddaughters Emily and Libbie Parsons.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to the Connie E. Parsons Memorial Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 443, Ellerbe, NC 28338
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Greg Engle/Cup Scene Daily
(DAYTONA BEACH Fla.)-A bright sunny morning greeted teams at Daytona International Speedway Tuesday. The mood however was anything but.
Famed broadcaster, NASCAR champion and a beloved member of the NASCAR community, Benny Parsons, died Tuesday morning just after 9AM Eastern at Carolina Medical Center in Charlotte North Carolina.
Parsons was 65. He had been battling lung cancer since the middle of 2006. After treatment, Parsons declared that he was cancer free in late 2006. Complications from his treatment resulted in him losing one lung. The remaining lung became infected and in late December Parsons was hospitalized. His condition was listed as critical and he remained in a medically induced coma for most of the time. Sources said his already grave condition worsened late Monday and he passed away early Tuesday.
"Certainly he's already missed substantially," FOX Sports analyst and former crew chief Larry McReynolds said Tuesday at Daytona International Speedway as the news began to sink in. "But knowing what he`d been through the last two or three weeks, it's certainly not for us to judge what's better, but you know that's not the quality of life that Benny Parsons would want. We know that he's certainly in a much better place then we are."
Tears flowed from a few people in the garage, but as is the norm when tragedy strikes this community, engines roared and cars posted laps as NASCAR continued on with their preseason testing session.
The loss comes just over than a week after driver and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champion Bobby Hamilton lost his life to cancer.
Tuesday while cars continued to make laps on the speedway, members of the NASCAR community remembered Parsons with a mix of sadness and affection.
"I'm sad and I'm relieved," said driver Ryan Newman. "The whole situation of struggling through end of his cancer there.
Newman said that he was close to Parsons and remembered him fondly.
"I'd call him a good friend," driver Ryan Newman said. "We didn't go to dinner all the time but we did spend time together. We had, still do, a `pig pickin' on our property on the day after each Charlotte. Benny used to come up with his wife and dog `Winston' and spend time with our family, our dogs, and our race team.
"He's just a great guy, more of a champion in many more ways then just a driver," Newman added. " Definitely going to miss him, I wish he could still be here but I know he was struggling and I wish the best for his family."
Mark Martin remembered the help Parsons gave him early in Martin's own career.
"For me, I had to keep up with NASCAR sort of broken, because there wasn't that much coverage in Arkansas in the early 70s and the mid-70s." Martin said. "When I got a chance to meet many of the drivers he was one of the most friendly and Benny took time in Ellerbe (North Carolina) to take my dad and I to learn when I was a teenager and gave my dad and I advice about a NASCAR career. That is really what I remember about him."
As the day wore on and the news got out, the accolades and tributes to Parsons began pour in from around the sport of NASCAR and around the country.
"In my 30 odd years of racing Benny Parsons, I never knew of anyone being mad at Benny," said NASCAR champion and fellow broadcaster Darrel Waltrip. " Benny Parsons was a great champion, a great ambassador for our sport but more than that, he was a great person. He exemplified that good guys can be winners too."
From Edsel B. Ford II;
"Everyone involved in the Ford Racing program is saddened at Benny's passing. Besides being a talented driver, he was someone who was always very approachable and was quick with a smile and a great story. Benny entertained millions of race fans in his television career, and his witty wisdom and insight helped grow the sport to the level it is today. We at Ford, and the sport of auto racing, lost a true friend today."
It was McReynolds who summed it all up and put it best.
"Even though we are already mourning the loss of Benny Parsons, Benny Parsons will be very upset with us if we don't celebrate the life that he lived, because that's what he did very single day; he loved life, he loved what he did, the people he was around, he loved the people in the garage in the media center and we have to remember that. Even though we do it with tears in our eyes already, the man loved what he did. Not to grab clichés but there's no question if you said find me one person who best defines a gentleman in NASCAR, I think Benny Parsons name would be right on top of that chart."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Parsons was special man, friend
by Steve Waid
I first met Benny Parsons when I was a know-nothing sports writer in Martinsville, Va. He was one of just a few drivers who patiently answered my dumb questions.
But then, something happened that told me he was a special person. The next day, I just happened to be walking through the pits and a voice said, "Hi, Steve!"
I turned around and it was Parsons. Remarkable. He remembered the name
of a sportswriter whom he could – maybe should – have dismissed without a
second thought.
I soon found out Parsons was pleasant with everyone. If he ever raised his voice, I didn't hear it. He got the nickname "Mr. Nice Guy" early in his NASCAR career, and it fit perfectly.
Because of who he was, everyone wanted to see him succeed. I believe that's one reason why crewmen from other teams helped his practically rebuild a destroyed race car at Rockingham in 1973. It seemed his high hopes for a championship had been shattered, but with their assistance, they weren't. Parsons limped to the finish and edged Cale Yarborough for the title.
Parsons was idolized in Wilkes County, N.C., where his great-grandmother raised him. But he never acted like an idol – he was just a good buddy – who knew everyone's name, of course. As each race at North Wilkesboro rolled around, friends and neighbors would hold a "homecoming" for him, gathering in warehouses or in the woods to eat, drink and tell tall tales. Parsons always personally invited me.
I also have a fond memory of Parsons as a roommate. Years ago, for some reason, he didn't have a motel room at Bristol. He asked if he could share one with me. I said sure.
We spent the evening engaged in conversations about racing, life and ourselves. One would have never thought he was a race car driver with celebrity status. It was like rooming with a big brother who had known you all your life.
During his years as a broadcaster and TV analyst, Parsons' personality shone like a beacon.
The beacon that was his life is now dark.
But what will continue to shine in memory is not so much Benny Parsons the race car driver. Rather, it will be Benny Parsons the man: "Mr. Nice Guy."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~by Steve Waid
I first met Benny Parsons when I was a know-nothing sports writer in Martinsville, Va. He was one of just a few drivers who patiently answered my dumb questions.
But then, something happened that told me he was a special person. The next day, I just happened to be walking through the pits and a voice said, "Hi, Steve!"
I turned around and it was Parsons. Remarkable. He remembered the name
of a sportswriter whom he could – maybe should – have dismissed without a
second thought.
I soon found out Parsons was pleasant with everyone. If he ever raised his voice, I didn't hear it. He got the nickname "Mr. Nice Guy" early in his NASCAR career, and it fit perfectly.
Because of who he was, everyone wanted to see him succeed. I believe that's one reason why crewmen from other teams helped his practically rebuild a destroyed race car at Rockingham in 1973. It seemed his high hopes for a championship had been shattered, but with their assistance, they weren't. Parsons limped to the finish and edged Cale Yarborough for the title.
Parsons was idolized in Wilkes County, N.C., where his great-grandmother raised him. But he never acted like an idol – he was just a good buddy – who knew everyone's name, of course. As each race at North Wilkesboro rolled around, friends and neighbors would hold a "homecoming" for him, gathering in warehouses or in the woods to eat, drink and tell tall tales. Parsons always personally invited me.
I also have a fond memory of Parsons as a roommate. Years ago, for some reason, he didn't have a motel room at Bristol. He asked if he could share one with me. I said sure.
We spent the evening engaged in conversations about racing, life and ourselves. One would have never thought he was a race car driver with celebrity status. It was like rooming with a big brother who had known you all your life.
During his years as a broadcaster and TV analyst, Parsons' personality shone like a beacon.
The beacon that was his life is now dark.
But what will continue to shine in memory is not so much Benny Parsons the race car driver. Rather, it will be Benny Parsons the man: "Mr. Nice Guy."
Reactions from the NASCAR and entertainment communities
ThatsRacin.com Report
Darrell Waltrip on Benny Parsons
"Benny Parsons was the kindest, sweetest, most considerate person I have ever known," said Darrell Waltrip. "He was almost too nice to be a race car driver and I say that as a compliment.
In my 30 odd years of racing Benny Parsons, I never knew of anyone being mad at Benny.
Some of my fondest memories in racing were racing Benny. In the Coca Cola 600, we had a whale of a battle and it was one of the best races ever held at Charlotte.
One of the funniest was in the 1981, Bud Shootout. I passed Benny on the apron at the start-finish line to win the race. Benny said 'you can't do that!' I said, 'I didn't see any out-of-bounds markers!' You sure couldn't do that today.
Benny Parsons was a great champion, a great ambassador for our sport but more than that, he was a great person. He exemplified that good guys can be winners too.
Stevie, the girls and I pray for Terri, Phil and the entire Parsons family to find the strength to get through this."
Statement from Michigan International Speedway President Roger Curtis
"We are deeply saddened by the loss of such a great champion and a larger-than-life person. Benny Parsons personified everything that was good about racing. He was a true ambassador for our sport with his words and his actions. From his days as a taxi driver in Detroit to his time as a racing champion and popular TV analyst, he exuded an infectious passion for racing that we will all miss."
Edsel B. Ford II, board member, Ford Motor Co.
"Everyone involved in the Ford Racing program is saddened at Benny's passing. Besides being a talented driver, he was someone who was always very approachable and was quick with a smile and a great story. Benny entertained millions of race fans in his television career, and his witty wisdom and insight helped grow the sport to the level it is today. We at Ford, and the sport of auto racing, lost a true friend today."
From Kansas Speedway
"Kansas Speedway was saddened to learn of the passing of 1973 NASCAR champion and broadcaster Benny Parsons," said Kansas Speedway President Jeff Boerger.
"We've enjoyed hosting Benny at Kansas Speedway over the last few years. He greeted you with a smile and was always willing to tell a tale or two from his own racing days. Benny will be missed in the garage and by millions of fans. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Parsons family and friends during this time."
From Turner Sports
"The passing of Benny Parsons is a phenomenal loss, not only for the sport of NASCAR, but for the Turner Sports family as well. Benny was one of the most personable guys I've ever met and his genuine commitment and love for NASCAR made him one of the sports' greatest ambassadors. He was truly a class act. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone who mourns his loss. He will be missed."
- David Levy, Turner Sports president
"Today the TNT family lost a very special person with the passing of Benny Parsons. He was a friend, a colleague and a wonderful person to all those around him, and over the past six years Benny served as the rock of TNT's NASCAR family, on both a professional and personal level. It has truly been our honor to develop a deep friendship with him. He was a genuine person with a big heart that enjoyed all life had to offer. We express our sincere condolences to Benny's family, NASCAR and all those in the NASCAR community that knew and loved him, he will be deeply missed."
-Jeff Behnke, Turner Sports executive
From Jeff Gordon
"I am extremely saddened after hearing the news this morning. Benny was a special person and anyone who came in contact with him knew it. He was one of the most genuine and generous individuals I've ever met. He was a great racecar driver, broadcaster and friend. "I will miss him very much."
From Richmond International Raceway
"Benny Parsons was approachable, friendly and was one of the best personalities this sport has ever known. He was universally liked by the fans, the drivers, the media and the promoters. To me, that means more than the success he had on the race track as a champion and the increase in popularity he gained by working in TV and radio. `Good guy' clearly defines Benny Parsons. I will miss him. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends."
- Doug Fritz, president
Richard Childress statement
Benny Parsons was a special person. I have many great memories from our days racing against each other as well as during his broadcast career. Millions of people welcomed him into their homes each week through his radio and television work and he became a friend of the family. Benny was a fighter and, even when he became ill, he went on with his life like he knew he could beat it. He was a strong man with great plans and it is a big loss for all of us who knew him.
From Jack Roush
"Everyone at Roush Racing is saddened by the passing of Benny Parsons. Benny was a great friend and supporter of Roush Racing and he will be greatly missed.
"He was an outstanding ambassador for NASCAR and the sport of racing who was a champion both on and off the track. On behalf of everyone at Roush Racing I want to extend my deepest sympathy to the entire Parsons family."
From Infineon Raceway
"Benny Parsons' personality and heart transcended his role as a sports figure. He was a wonderful human being and he warmed the lives of those lucky enough to know him.
"We were all looking forward to Benny's return to the Infineon Raceway broadcast team this summer. Benny loved coming to Sonoma. He fit naturally into the local culture of good food and hospitality and he always gave generously of his time for community and charity functions during race week.
"Like all of Benny's fans in Northern California, we will miss him terribly."
- Steve Page, president and general manager
From Talladega Superspeedway
"We at Talladega Superspeedway are saddened to have received news that Benny Parsons passed away this morning. He has made a remarkable impact on motorsports first as a driver, and then as an analyst. What is most difficult to measure is the great impact he made upon those of us fortunate enough to count him as a friend. We will all miss him dearly. Our thoughts and prayers will continue to be with his family at this difficult time."
- Grant Lynch, president
From Michael Waltrip
"Benny was cool. When you talked to him he brought out the human element. The cars are nuts and bolts, but he saw through that. He'd always say, "Folks..." He tried to be passionate about what he believed and he did a great job of explaining what people were seeing in a way they could understand.
"I won that race in Bristol when I asked Buffy to marry me, and Benny was there in victory lane. I've told him that I don't think I would have been comfortable enough to do that if it weren't for him. "That tells you how the drivers felt about Benny.
"I am going to miss him. I went through all of this with my father and my faith is they're both a lot better off. So I am not going to be sad. I am just going to think about Terri and know that she's challenged."
Of the kindnesses Parsons showed to others:
"That was just Benny, he didn't have any other way about him. That's why when he told you a story on the TV, you knew it was coming right from his heart and the viewers felt that. They understood his passion. "I got to see him race. My favorite thing was when he'd walk up to me in the garage and say, 'Mikey! It's B.P.' I can hear his voice right now saying that.
Meeting Benny verified to me that with some people you see what you get, and they never disappoint you."
From Kenny Wallace
"When I first started doing TV, Benny was nice enough to call me up and say, 'Kenny, remember now that when you're in the booth you have to watch the monitor and not the race track.' He was always on your side and he meant a lot to me.
"He and Darrell Waltrip were both great drivers and champions, but more people know them now as announcers. Everybody remembers Benny as "Buffet Benny" from when he did those segments on ESPN. It was great how he added happiness to everyone's life. We're in such a competitive business that you can get real critical and real mean, but Benny tried to make everybody happy.
From Ricky Rudd
"It's a big loss. He was an ambassador for the sport and he did a lot of great things for it. He was very reachable - a lot of people in the sport when you reach that high of a level sometimes are hard to reach because it requires a lot of their time.
"I never heard anything about Benny not being there to talk to anybody, whether it was their first race as a fan during dinner or as a fellow competitor going up to him for advice.
"He was a behind-the-scenes guy who never wanted to go do things just to attract the limelight or get press clippings. He's worked with a lot of young drivers and given them pointers on what to do. He was just a class-act guy.
"He was very knowledgeable about the sport, and he knew that the wrong thing said at the wrong time could potentially end someone's career. When a guy makes a mistake or does something that's not too smart, people will comment about it but you wouldn't hear anything about it out of Benny's mouth. He never forgot where he came from."
From Robert Yates
"For a guy you might assume was an average guy, he was really way above average. When we were running good in the 1990s, he was there praising you and then when you needed a pat on the back he was always there encouraging you.
"He loved the sport and the people in it and talked good about everybody. He never had an agenda, he was just a great guy. What I want to take from his life is not to be so pessimistic and instead of going through the garage trying to get everybody to quit, try to pump them up a little bit like he would. He was a super guy."
From Don Miller
"He and I were good friends. He was on the board of directors at the N.C. Auto Racing Hall of Fame with me. I met Benny for the first time back in 1974 when I lost my leg and he was the champion from the year before. He urged me to go on and get better and I've known him ever since.
"I know one thing about Benny Parsons, that guy did so much for so many people that nobody will ever know about. He didn't think it was important to have the recognition. He did it because he knew it was the right thing to do.
"He was never looking for the glory. He was an honest, hard-working individual with a heart of gold. I was praying hard that he would get better."
From Waddell Wilson
"He was one of the best who ever came along. I met him back at Holman-Moody in the 1960s. We built his engines and he come in there and worked on it like anybody else.
"He and Cale Yarborough came there in 1967 and they took them to Asheville-Weaverville, and Cale got the job. In 1972, I went to work with L.G. (DeWitt) and Benny and we won the championship the next year with my engines.
"We didn't have a lot of money and they went to the smaller engines in 1974. We were using mostly street parts then and we had a lot of trouble. We came down here (Daytona) in 1975 and had to put together an engine that I didn't figure would run 20 laps.
"It was the only one we had. We fell out of the 125 and started well back and then wound up winning the Daytona 500. That was the biggest surprise of my life in racing.
"In 1982, we hired Benny to drive for us for Harry Ranier. Then we broke the 200 mph milestone in qualifying at Talladega that time and neither Benny nor I realized what a big deal that was. But I went over to get some passes for the crew's wives and the phones wouldn't stop ringing. That sold a lot of tickets.
"From the day I met him back in about 1964 he never changed. He came up the hard way. He was a very smart guy and he never forgot anybody's name, his memory was amazing.
"When he was with L.G. he didn't make a lot of money because there wasn't a lot of money in the sport. But come Christmastime, a lot of kids in Ellerbe didn't have any money for Christmas. How he did that, I don't know. He was a gentleman off the track, too.
"He loved to eat and we'd try to keep him in shape. When he lived there in Ellerbee we gave him a bicycle so he could ride back and forth from the shop to home to keep him going.
"I never worked with anyone I enjoyed more than working with him."
From Elliott Sadler
"When I was 12 years old, I went to his house to have Thanksgiving dinner. Being a big race fan, it was great to get to go to his house and see all his trophies and play Pictionary for a couple of hours. "Hermie went to North Carolina, and so did Keith Parsons, Benny's son. Hermie and Keith were roommates. Hermie didn't put it together at first, and Keith said, 'I want you to meet my dad' and Benny Parsons walked in the room.
"He didn't know me or my family from Adam, just that Hermie and Keith were roommates. But he treated us like gold, and that's the kind of person Benny was. I can still remember everything about that day. "He'd always make a point to speak to you in the garage and he did that to everybody.
"We'll miss him as a great race car driver and an announcer, but also as a friend.
ThatsRacin.com Report
Darrell Waltrip on Benny Parsons
"Benny Parsons was the kindest, sweetest, most considerate person I have ever known," said Darrell Waltrip. "He was almost too nice to be a race car driver and I say that as a compliment.
In my 30 odd years of racing Benny Parsons, I never knew of anyone being mad at Benny.
Some of my fondest memories in racing were racing Benny. In the Coca Cola 600, we had a whale of a battle and it was one of the best races ever held at Charlotte.
One of the funniest was in the 1981, Bud Shootout. I passed Benny on the apron at the start-finish line to win the race. Benny said 'you can't do that!' I said, 'I didn't see any out-of-bounds markers!' You sure couldn't do that today.
Benny Parsons was a great champion, a great ambassador for our sport but more than that, he was a great person. He exemplified that good guys can be winners too.
Stevie, the girls and I pray for Terri, Phil and the entire Parsons family to find the strength to get through this."
Statement from Michigan International Speedway President Roger Curtis
"We are deeply saddened by the loss of such a great champion and a larger-than-life person. Benny Parsons personified everything that was good about racing. He was a true ambassador for our sport with his words and his actions. From his days as a taxi driver in Detroit to his time as a racing champion and popular TV analyst, he exuded an infectious passion for racing that we will all miss."
Edsel B. Ford II, board member, Ford Motor Co.
"Everyone involved in the Ford Racing program is saddened at Benny's passing. Besides being a talented driver, he was someone who was always very approachable and was quick with a smile and a great story. Benny entertained millions of race fans in his television career, and his witty wisdom and insight helped grow the sport to the level it is today. We at Ford, and the sport of auto racing, lost a true friend today."
From Kansas Speedway
"Kansas Speedway was saddened to learn of the passing of 1973 NASCAR champion and broadcaster Benny Parsons," said Kansas Speedway President Jeff Boerger.
"We've enjoyed hosting Benny at Kansas Speedway over the last few years. He greeted you with a smile and was always willing to tell a tale or two from his own racing days. Benny will be missed in the garage and by millions of fans. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Parsons family and friends during this time."
From Turner Sports
"The passing of Benny Parsons is a phenomenal loss, not only for the sport of NASCAR, but for the Turner Sports family as well. Benny was one of the most personable guys I've ever met and his genuine commitment and love for NASCAR made him one of the sports' greatest ambassadors. He was truly a class act. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone who mourns his loss. He will be missed."
- David Levy, Turner Sports president
"Today the TNT family lost a very special person with the passing of Benny Parsons. He was a friend, a colleague and a wonderful person to all those around him, and over the past six years Benny served as the rock of TNT's NASCAR family, on both a professional and personal level. It has truly been our honor to develop a deep friendship with him. He was a genuine person with a big heart that enjoyed all life had to offer. We express our sincere condolences to Benny's family, NASCAR and all those in the NASCAR community that knew and loved him, he will be deeply missed."
-Jeff Behnke, Turner Sports executive
From Jeff Gordon
"I am extremely saddened after hearing the news this morning. Benny was a special person and anyone who came in contact with him knew it. He was one of the most genuine and generous individuals I've ever met. He was a great racecar driver, broadcaster and friend. "I will miss him very much."
From Richmond International Raceway
"Benny Parsons was approachable, friendly and was one of the best personalities this sport has ever known. He was universally liked by the fans, the drivers, the media and the promoters. To me, that means more than the success he had on the race track as a champion and the increase in popularity he gained by working in TV and radio. `Good guy' clearly defines Benny Parsons. I will miss him. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends."
- Doug Fritz, president
Richard Childress statement
Benny Parsons was a special person. I have many great memories from our days racing against each other as well as during his broadcast career. Millions of people welcomed him into their homes each week through his radio and television work and he became a friend of the family. Benny was a fighter and, even when he became ill, he went on with his life like he knew he could beat it. He was a strong man with great plans and it is a big loss for all of us who knew him.
From Jack Roush
"Everyone at Roush Racing is saddened by the passing of Benny Parsons. Benny was a great friend and supporter of Roush Racing and he will be greatly missed.
"He was an outstanding ambassador for NASCAR and the sport of racing who was a champion both on and off the track. On behalf of everyone at Roush Racing I want to extend my deepest sympathy to the entire Parsons family."
From Infineon Raceway
"Benny Parsons' personality and heart transcended his role as a sports figure. He was a wonderful human being and he warmed the lives of those lucky enough to know him.
"We were all looking forward to Benny's return to the Infineon Raceway broadcast team this summer. Benny loved coming to Sonoma. He fit naturally into the local culture of good food and hospitality and he always gave generously of his time for community and charity functions during race week.
"Like all of Benny's fans in Northern California, we will miss him terribly."
- Steve Page, president and general manager
From Talladega Superspeedway
"We at Talladega Superspeedway are saddened to have received news that Benny Parsons passed away this morning. He has made a remarkable impact on motorsports first as a driver, and then as an analyst. What is most difficult to measure is the great impact he made upon those of us fortunate enough to count him as a friend. We will all miss him dearly. Our thoughts and prayers will continue to be with his family at this difficult time."
- Grant Lynch, president
From Michael Waltrip
"Benny was cool. When you talked to him he brought out the human element. The cars are nuts and bolts, but he saw through that. He'd always say, "Folks..." He tried to be passionate about what he believed and he did a great job of explaining what people were seeing in a way they could understand.
"I won that race in Bristol when I asked Buffy to marry me, and Benny was there in victory lane. I've told him that I don't think I would have been comfortable enough to do that if it weren't for him. "That tells you how the drivers felt about Benny.
"I am going to miss him. I went through all of this with my father and my faith is they're both a lot better off. So I am not going to be sad. I am just going to think about Terri and know that she's challenged."
Of the kindnesses Parsons showed to others:
"That was just Benny, he didn't have any other way about him. That's why when he told you a story on the TV, you knew it was coming right from his heart and the viewers felt that. They understood his passion. "I got to see him race. My favorite thing was when he'd walk up to me in the garage and say, 'Mikey! It's B.P.' I can hear his voice right now saying that.
Meeting Benny verified to me that with some people you see what you get, and they never disappoint you."
From Kenny Wallace
"When I first started doing TV, Benny was nice enough to call me up and say, 'Kenny, remember now that when you're in the booth you have to watch the monitor and not the race track.' He was always on your side and he meant a lot to me.
"He and Darrell Waltrip were both great drivers and champions, but more people know them now as announcers. Everybody remembers Benny as "Buffet Benny" from when he did those segments on ESPN. It was great how he added happiness to everyone's life. We're in such a competitive business that you can get real critical and real mean, but Benny tried to make everybody happy.
From Ricky Rudd
"It's a big loss. He was an ambassador for the sport and he did a lot of great things for it. He was very reachable - a lot of people in the sport when you reach that high of a level sometimes are hard to reach because it requires a lot of their time.
"I never heard anything about Benny not being there to talk to anybody, whether it was their first race as a fan during dinner or as a fellow competitor going up to him for advice.
"He was a behind-the-scenes guy who never wanted to go do things just to attract the limelight or get press clippings. He's worked with a lot of young drivers and given them pointers on what to do. He was just a class-act guy.
"He was very knowledgeable about the sport, and he knew that the wrong thing said at the wrong time could potentially end someone's career. When a guy makes a mistake or does something that's not too smart, people will comment about it but you wouldn't hear anything about it out of Benny's mouth. He never forgot where he came from."
From Robert Yates
"For a guy you might assume was an average guy, he was really way above average. When we were running good in the 1990s, he was there praising you and then when you needed a pat on the back he was always there encouraging you.
"He loved the sport and the people in it and talked good about everybody. He never had an agenda, he was just a great guy. What I want to take from his life is not to be so pessimistic and instead of going through the garage trying to get everybody to quit, try to pump them up a little bit like he would. He was a super guy."
From Don Miller
"He and I were good friends. He was on the board of directors at the N.C. Auto Racing Hall of Fame with me. I met Benny for the first time back in 1974 when I lost my leg and he was the champion from the year before. He urged me to go on and get better and I've known him ever since.
"I know one thing about Benny Parsons, that guy did so much for so many people that nobody will ever know about. He didn't think it was important to have the recognition. He did it because he knew it was the right thing to do.
"He was never looking for the glory. He was an honest, hard-working individual with a heart of gold. I was praying hard that he would get better."
From Waddell Wilson
"He was one of the best who ever came along. I met him back at Holman-Moody in the 1960s. We built his engines and he come in there and worked on it like anybody else.
"He and Cale Yarborough came there in 1967 and they took them to Asheville-Weaverville, and Cale got the job. In 1972, I went to work with L.G. (DeWitt) and Benny and we won the championship the next year with my engines.
"We didn't have a lot of money and they went to the smaller engines in 1974. We were using mostly street parts then and we had a lot of trouble. We came down here (Daytona) in 1975 and had to put together an engine that I didn't figure would run 20 laps.
"It was the only one we had. We fell out of the 125 and started well back and then wound up winning the Daytona 500. That was the biggest surprise of my life in racing.
"In 1982, we hired Benny to drive for us for Harry Ranier. Then we broke the 200 mph milestone in qualifying at Talladega that time and neither Benny nor I realized what a big deal that was. But I went over to get some passes for the crew's wives and the phones wouldn't stop ringing. That sold a lot of tickets.
"From the day I met him back in about 1964 he never changed. He came up the hard way. He was a very smart guy and he never forgot anybody's name, his memory was amazing.
"When he was with L.G. he didn't make a lot of money because there wasn't a lot of money in the sport. But come Christmastime, a lot of kids in Ellerbe didn't have any money for Christmas. How he did that, I don't know. He was a gentleman off the track, too.
"He loved to eat and we'd try to keep him in shape. When he lived there in Ellerbee we gave him a bicycle so he could ride back and forth from the shop to home to keep him going.
"I never worked with anyone I enjoyed more than working with him."
From Elliott Sadler
"When I was 12 years old, I went to his house to have Thanksgiving dinner. Being a big race fan, it was great to get to go to his house and see all his trophies and play Pictionary for a couple of hours. "Hermie went to North Carolina, and so did Keith Parsons, Benny's son. Hermie and Keith were roommates. Hermie didn't put it together at first, and Keith said, 'I want you to meet my dad' and Benny Parsons walked in the room.
"He didn't know me or my family from Adam, just that Hermie and Keith were roommates. But he treated us like gold, and that's the kind of person Benny was. I can still remember everything about that day. "He'd always make a point to speak to you in the garage and he did that to everybody.
"We'll miss him as a great race car driver and an announcer, but also as a friend.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
THE VIEW FROM FANVILLE
A Loss From the Fan's Side
By Amy Hain/Cup Scene Daily
(DAYTONA BEACH Fla.)-While I wandered through the garage area this morning, I picked up those strange vibrations that something just wasn't right…heads of crew members were buried in deep concentration around the cars, drivers eyes had a sadness that grabbed at my heart, revealing that something was weighing heavy on their minds.
I headed back to the media center and was devastated as I watched these hard core reporters stop in their tracks and try to control the emotion that was over taking their thoughts. As time went by, their reason for sadness was revealed, one of their beloved, Benny Parsons, had passed away only an hour before. A man that was one of their own….gone.
I headed out to the garage to get the feel of how the drivers and teams were holding up. I watched as Michael Waltrip shared what he could with reporters that surrounded him. I started to take a picture, but realized that this was not something that needed to be photographed…this was a moment of pain, shock, hurt and emotions that couldn't be put into words…these were private moments of mourning, and in my mind, I had no right to intrude. Watching gave me more than enough to carry back to the media center.
I did however wander through the groups of fans that were perched up on top of the Fan Zone….almost hating to intrude on their moments of excitement by asking if they had heard about the sad news. But these were the people that I am connected too, and they deserved to know. Their faces were full of smiles when I introduced myself, but after I explained the happenings of the morning, within a blink of the eye, their emotions broke through and grief took over.
John from Edmonton said… "We watch races from up there (Canada)…we're watching him during the races…you know he brought a lot of knowledge up there for fans, or down here, or any where in the states that can't see races…we see him on TV, so Benny Parsons is our link to NASCAR".
I meandered my way through the crowd…watching the cameras click and the fingers pointing as they spotted their favorite drivers…oblivious of the death that loomed over the garage.
Stopping to talk to Dave and Debbie from Redwood NY, their faces once again revealed the agony of losing a good friend. Dave lowered his head and shook it slightly in disbelief…muttering how "it won't be the same…this is a big shock, Benny was all over NASCAR, he wasn't just in one area…he was all over racing…he was NASCAR…he can never be replaced."
As I shared the news, I felt like the family member that has to tell the cousin about a death in the family…not something you ever want to do, but something that has to be shared. Many of the fans noted that they has seen "Mikey's" (Michael Waltrip's) car go by with the bold "We Love You Benny" on the side. Thoughts were turned toward Phil Parsons and Bill Webber and how they would carry on with their NASCAR analysis at the Daytona 500 without Benny by their sides.
As I wound up my interviews, a nice lady shared a fond memory of Benny…she had been in the mall, and BP was there for an appearance. She too, like Benny, has the initials of BP…a bond that she was proud of. She managed to work her way up to him to get his autograph, and told him of their common thread…he looked at her and said "yes, but I bet neither one of us makes as much money as BP (British Petroleum)! They both laughed…it was nice to finish with a fond memory…one of millions out there that fans could share if asked.
Looking over the Fan Zone wall, I watched as our drivers continued to roll in and out, teams worked hard, and the media wandering through…the somber sense of loss was emanating from the garage…but so was the sense of obligation and hard core dedication…these men and women will continue on through another day of testing…of sweating while they tweak and fine tune their vehicles…and if I hear a mallet hit a little harder as I walk by, or see a crew member standing off to the side with that far away look in his eyes…I'll know where his heart is…with Benny.
In Desperate Need of Time
(DAYTONA BEACH Fla.)-Day two at the track… one that no matter where this path takes me, I will never forget. The loss of a friend brings with it more emotion than most people can handle. And true to its promise, death comes unannounced and leaves in its wake a wave of human spirit that has been torn into shreds.
In the garage area, I watched as this group of people that I have come to love and respect were attempting to deal with the cruel hand they were dealt…the death of Benny Parsons.
My heart hurt as I watched tears flow and lips quiver. Arms were opened and friends gathered friends into their arms, holding on until emotions could be quelled. The jovial atmosphere I had witnessed in the garage only a day before was silenced, as quiet voices were shared between lowered heads.
When we as fans get ready to watch a race, we cheer for our driver, fuss about the others and always have an opinion on what should have been done on the track. But fate has a way of getting our attention, and showing us that the real issues in life have nothing to do with what color you proudly wear or what number you fly on your car. Time stands still when tragedy strikes, allowing us to take inventory of our hearts.
As I talked with fans, it didn't matter if they had a red shirt or a blue shirt on, it didn't matter if they wore Chevy or Ford across their chests…when they learned of the passing of Benny Parsons, all the barriers that had been there moments before had disappeared.
A similar scene was taking place in the garage, only so much more intense that it was difficult to fully comprehend. Once again I saw teams wearing red mingling with teams wearing blue, while Chevy and Ford decals ceased to be of any importance. These dedicated men and women were all feeling the loss of one of their own…a family member…a friend and mentor. My heart was torn, wishing there was something I could do to make this sadness lift.
Time will do what it has always done…it will heal when given enough reign, it will soften sorrow as it builds strength through bonds of love...and unlike the deadlines in our everyday lives, time itself will not be limited….we will be allowed as much time as is needed to once again strut our colors proudly.
"A Family Sport"…a title proudly doted on by NASCAR, has once again proven to be the case. This event has shown yet another page in the family album…and perhaps the only kind that matters.
This is the true NASCAR family…a community of different likes and dislikes, of desires and hopes. A group bonded by a common love for speed, but kept together by the love for each other.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Championships have always driven me to win races. That 3 car pulling into the track would cause people to look around and wonder what we were doing, to see how to beat us."
-Dale Earnhardt
-Dale Earnhardt
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Well, that's all for today. Until the next time, I remain,
Your![file:///C:/DOCUME~1/smonacel/LOCALS~1/Temp//attc2e89.gif]()
Momma
Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, wine in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO what a ride!"
"Don't come here and grumble about going too fast. Get the hell out of the race car if you've got feathers on your legs or butt. Put a kerosene rag around your ankles so the ants wins't climb up there and eat that candy ass." - Dale Earnhardt – 1998
"It's nothin' personal, it's just racin'
-Dale Earnhardt Sr.
This list is authored by:
Sandra Monacelli
221 W. 57th Street 18B
Loveland, CO 80538
970/663-6967
Your
Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, wine in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO what a ride!"
"Don't come here and grumble about going too fast. Get the hell out of the race car if you've got feathers on your legs or butt. Put a kerosene rag around your ankles so the ants wins't climb up there and eat that candy ass." - Dale Earnhardt – 1998
"It's nothin' personal, it's just racin'
-Dale Earnhardt Sr.
This list is authored by:
Sandra Monacelli
221 W. 57th Street 18B
Loveland, CO 80538
970/663-6967
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